In this post: Website Jargon Explained and Simplified - I offer simple definitions of the most commonly used website, WordPress and SEO terminology, helping you understand the language of the web with confidence.
1. Domain Name
A domain name is your website's address on the internet, such as www.yourbusiness.com.au. It's what people type into their web browser to visit your website.
Think of it like this: Your domain name is your street address, making it easy for people to find you online.
Can you own a domain name?
A domain name is not purchased outright like a physical asset. Instead, you register a domain name through an accredited domain registrar for a set period of time, usually one or more years at a time.
While your registration is active, you have the exclusive right to use that domain name for your website and email addresses.
For example, when you register:
yourbusiness.com.au
you are reserving the right to use that web address while your registration remains current.
It is important that the domain is registered in your name or your business name, not someone else's.
2. Web Hosting
Web hosting is the service that stores your website's files and makes them available to visitors 24 hours a day.
Without hosting, your website cannot be displayed online.
Web hosting subscription payments
Hosting is usually paid:
- Monthly
- Annually
- On a longer-term plan depending on your provider
If your hosting subscription expires, your website may become unavailable and any email services connected to that hosting account may also stop working.
Enabling automatic renewal on your hosting account subscription helps prevent accidental expiry, which could result in:
- Your website going offline
- Your emails stopping if they use the same hosting account
- Visitors being unable to access your website
- Potential data loss if the account remains inactive for too long
Choosing the right hosting provider
Not all web hosting is the same. For most Australian small businesses, a reliable shared hosting plan offers an affordable balance of performance, security and support without paying for features you may never use.
If you're looking for a hosting provider, I recommend VentraIP because they're Australian-owned, have local support and offer reliable shared hosting suitable for many small business websites.
👉 View VentraIP For Affordable Australian Web Hosting & Domain Name Registration
3. SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts (converts into a secure format) the information sent between your website and your visitors, helping to keep it secure.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer
Why is SSL important?
An SSL certificate helps protect information such as:
- Contact form details
- Login information
- Personal information
- Payment details
You'll know a website has SSL when you see the padlock icon next to the website address and it starts with https:// instead of http://.
SSL also helps build trust with visitors and is an important Google ranking factor.
4. DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) connects your domain name to your web hosting.
When someone types your website address into their browser, DNS tells the internet where your website is stored.
Think of it like this: DNS is like the GPS that directs visitors to the correct location.
DNS controls where many internet services are sent, including:
- Your Website
- Your Email
- Verification records for services like google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or Mailerlite
- Security certificates (SSL)
5. Cache
A cache stores temporary copies of your website so it loads much faster for visitors.
Sometimes, after making website changes, your browser may still display an older version because it's using the cached copy. Clearing the cache usually fixes this.
Think of it like this: It's similar to keeping a copy of a frequently used document on your desk instead of retrieving it from a filing cabinet every time.
6. Plugin
A plugin adds extra features and functionality to your WordPress website.
Plugins can add things like:
- Contact forms
- Online bookings
- SEO tools
- Security protection
- Image galleries
- Backups
Many WordPress plugins are created and maintained by third-party developers or companies, not by WordPress itself. This means each plugin has its own developer, update schedule, support options and level of quality.
Before installing a plugin, it's important to consider:
- When it was last updated
- Whether it is compatible with your version of WordPress
- Whether it has good reviews and support
- Whether it is actively maintained
Think of plugins like apps for your website: They can add valuable features, but choosing reliable, well-maintained plugins helps keep your website secure and running smoothly. At ACT Websites, I carefully select plugins based on reliability, security, ongoing support and reputation. I only use trusted plugins with a proven track record to help ensure your website remains stable, secure and easy to maintain.
7. WordPress Theme
A theme controls the overall design and layout of your website.
It determines how your website looks, including colours, typography, page layouts and styling.
For example, I build custom websites for small business using the Divi Theme, specifically with the new platform Divi 5, designed to be faster and lighter, offering flexible design options while allowing your website to grow with your business.
8. Child Theme
A child theme is a copy of your main WordPress theme that allows custom code and design changes without affecting the original theme.
This means the main theme can be safely updated without overwriting your customisations.
Not every website requires a child theme—it depends on how the website has been built.
A child theme is most useful when:
- Custom code has been added
- Theme files have been modified
- Custom templates have been created
- Advanced design changes are required
For websites built using visual builders like Divi, many design changes can be safely stored within the builder settings, theme options and WordPress database, reducing the need for a child theme in some situations.
However, when custom development work is required, a child theme is an important part of building a website that is easier to maintain and update in the future.
9. Website Backup
A backup is mostly a complete copy of your website, including its files, images, settings and database.
If something goes wrong—such as a failed update, hacking attempt or accidental deletion—a backup allows your website to be restored.
Think of it as an insurance policy for your website.
10. Staging Website
A staging website is a private copy of your live website used for testing.
Developers use staging sites to test updates, redesigns and new features before making changes to the live website that visitors see.
This reduces the risk of unexpected problems.
11. Featured Image
A featured image is the main image associated with a blog post or article.
It often appears:
- At the top of the blog post
- On your blog page
- When your article is shared on social media
- In search results on some platforms
A good featured image is relevant to your page or post, helps attract attention and encourages people to click.
12. Meta Description
A meta description is a short summary of a webpage that search engines often display beneath the page title in search results.
While it doesn't directly improve rankings, a clear and engaging meta description can encourage more people to visit your website.
Think of it like this: A meta description is your website's advertisement in Google search results.
Example:
Google search result:
How to Improve Your Website Speed | ACT Websites
Discover practical ways to improve your WordPress website speed, enhance user experience and help your website perform better.
13. Sitemap
A sitemap is a file that lists the pages on your website.
It helps search engines like Google discover your pages more efficiently, especially when new content is added.
Visitors usually don't see your sitemap—it's mainly designed for search engines.
14. Indexing
Indexing is the process of Google and other search engines discovering, reading and storing your website pages in its search database.
A page must be indexed before it can appear in Google search results.
Creating a website doesn't automatically mean Google will find it immediately—it first needs to crawl and index your pages.
Think of it like this: Imagine Google is a huge library. Indexing is the process of adding your website to the library's catalogue so people can find it when they search.
15. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving your website so it has a better chance of appearing in search engine results when people search for your products or services.
Good SEO helps search engines like Google understand what your website is about and who it should be shown to.
SEO involves many factors, including:
- Creating helpful, relevant content
- Using keywords your customers are searching for
- Optimising page titles and meta descriptions
- Making your website fast and mobile-friendly
- Keeping your website secure
- Earning trust and authority over time
Think of it like this: Imagine your website is a shop in a busy shopping centre. SEO is like having clear signs, an attractive storefront and a good reputation, making it easier for customers to find you instead of walking past.
Did you know? SEO is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix. It can take several months before improvements start showing in search results, but the long-term benefits are often well worth the investment.
16. Excerpt
An excerpt is a short summary of a WordPress post that gives readers a preview of the article before they click through.
It is commonly displayed:
- On your blog page
- On category and archive pages
- In blog post listings
- In some WordPress themes and layouts
Think of it like this: An excerpt is the introduction or preview of your blog post for website visitors.
Example:
Blog title:
How to Improve Your Website Speed
Excerpt:
Learn the simple steps small business owners can take to improve website loading times and create a better experience for visitors
17. CDN - Content Delivery Network
A CDN is a network of servers located around the world that store copies of your website's files and delivers them from the server closest to your visitor.
Instead of wevery visitor loading your website from your hosting server, a CDN can serve images, stylesheets, videos and other files from a nearby location. This can make your website load faster, especially for website visitors located far away from your server.
18. Server
A server is a computer that stores your website and delivers it to visitors whenever they access your domain name. Without a server, your website wouldn't be available on the internet.
What a server does:
- stores your website files
- delivers your website to visitors
- processes forms and other website functions
- connects to your website's database
- operates 24 hours a day so your website is always available.
You don't need to know everything - But knowing helps!
Running a business is your expertise. My expertise is translating your business goals into a website that works for your business.
My goal is to make websites easier to understand so you can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed by technical language.
Whether you need advice, a new website, ongoing support or simply someone to explain things in plain English, I'm just a message away.
Ready for a website that works as hard as you do?
I create foundational websites that grow as your business grows - for therapists, counsellors, service based businesses and trades throughout Australia.
Canberra-based WordPress Freelancer